Sedatives/Hypnotics Flashcards

1
Q

Medications that cause insomnia

A
ETOH
BB
CCB
Bronchodilators
Caffeine
Corticosteroids
Decongestants
Antidepressants
Thyroids
Anticonvulsants
High BP Meds
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2
Q

Treatment Duration of Insomnia

A
4-5 weeks per FDA
lowest dose
shortest duration
DC gradually
Rebound Effects
Use Short Half-Life Drugs
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3
Q

FDA Approved Drug Treatment for Insomnia

A
  • Benzo’s
  • Non Benzo’s (GABA drugs)
  • Melatonin
  • TCA/Histamine
  • Dual Orexin Receptor Antagonist
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4
Q

Off Label Drug Treatment for Insomnia

A
  • Antidepressants
  • Antipsychotics (with specific comorbids)
  • Anticonvulsants (with specific comorbids)
  • Antihistamines
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5
Q

How Benzo’s and ZDrugs work

A
  • Benzo’s working through GABA neurons resulting in HYPERpolarization of the cell
  • GABA serves as an inhibitory inhibitor in the CNS, decreasing neuronal excitability
  • Benzo’s cause sedation, decreased anxiety, muscle relaxant, retrograde amnesia
  • ZDrugs (non benzo’s) are psychoactive drugs (benzo-like) and are very similar in side effects, risks, and benefits
  • However, they have different chemical structure and differ on a molecular level
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6
Q

Important Notes on Benzo’s

A
  • Causes next day drowsiness
  • Contraindication in pregnancy and breast feeding
  • Should NOT BE USED with sleep apnea, pulmonary disease, or respiratory illness BECAUSE depresses respirations
  • Schedule IV Drug
  • Only use in healthy adults for short periods of time
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7
Q

Ramelteon

A
  • FDA approved
  • Used: sleep onset (latency)
  • Melatonin Receptor
  • 8mg
  • Effectiveness is modest
  • Not habit forming
  • Still has few side effects?
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8
Q

Doxepin

A
  • FDA approved
  • Used: Sleep maintenance
  • TCA/Histamine-1 Receptor Antagonist
  • 3mg, 6mg
  • VERY favorable for adults/elderly
  • Other TCA’s like amitriptyline and nortriptyline should only be used for insomnia WITH comorbid of depression, fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain
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9
Q

Side Effects of Benzo’s

A
  • DAYTIME SEDATION
  • Decreased reaction time
  • Cognitive impairment and memory problems
  • Unsteady gait leading to ataxia and falls
  • Risk of tolerance
  • Risk of withdrawal (+rebound insomnia)
  • Risk of abuse (no sleep apnea, substance abuse)
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10
Q

Non-Benzo’s (ZDrugs)

A

Zolpidem

  • rebound not associated
  • duration 8 hours

Zolpidem ER

  • not limited to short term use
  • duration 8 hours?

Zaleplon

  • Not apparent withdrawal symptoms, daytime drowsiness/anxiety/psychomotor impairment
  • Duration 4 hours

Eszopiclone
Ramelteon

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11
Q

Non-Benzo’s (ZDrugs) *****

Eszopiclone

A
  • Half life 6 hours
  • Approved for insomnia, sleep onset (latency), maintenance
  • Especially good for onset bc long half life
  • Not limited to short term use
  • Should not exceed 2mg in patients taking CYP3A4 drugs
  • Delayed absorption/onset with meals
  • CAN CAUSE METALLIC TASTE ESPECIALLY WITH HIGH DOSES
  • Duration 8 hours
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12
Q

Non-Benzo’s (ZDrugs) *****

Ramelteon

A
  • Half life 2-5 hours
  • Approved for insomnia, sleep onset
  • Not limited to short term use
  • melatonin receptor
  • Not a controlled substance
  • CYP1A2 AVOID use with fluvoxamine is contraindicated
  • Food delays absorption/onset
  • Duration 8 hours
  • ONLY FDA DRUG THAT IS NOT A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE BC NO POTENTIAL FOR ABUSE OR WITHDRAWAL
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13
Q

Side Effects of ZDrugs

A
  • Memory Loss
  • Dizziness
  • Disinhibition
  • GI Upset
  • Hallucinations
    ALL ZDRUGS HAVE DELAYED ABSORPTION WITH FOOD
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14
Q

Benefits of NON- Benzo’s

A
  • Bind to subtypes of GABA receptors that specifically modulate sleep and there are though to have less unwanted side effects
  • Tolerance and abuse have shown not to be major concern in general population
  • Generally, shorter duration of action than most benzo’s and less like to cause sedation the next day
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15
Q

Disadvantages of NON-Benzo’s

A

Complex Sleep Behaviors
- Sleep walking
- Sleep driving
- Engaging in activities before fully awake
( esp. with zolpidem sublingual and mist spray )

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16
Q

Antidepressants for Insomnia

A

Commonly used by NOT FDA approved

  • Trazodone: SSRI (can cause priapism which is persistent, painful erection)
  • Amitriptyline: TCA
  • Mirtazapine: Alpha 2 Antagonist

All usually given at much lower dosing than depression

FDA APPROVED
- Doxepin: TCA

17
Q

Key Clinicals for Benzo’s and Insomnia

A
  • Benzo’s have greater improvement in 1st week then intermediate improvement in next 3-8 weeks (non pharm thought to be just as beneficial during this time)
  • Drug therapy for insomnia should be limited to 4-5 weeks while learning CBTI treatment
18
Q

Key Clinicals for ZDrugs and Insomnia

A
  • Caution in elderly, can cause falls
  • Sedation increases if taken with other sedating drugs like etoh, antihistamines, benzos
  • Avoid with respiratory depression or respiratory compromise
  • CYP450 inhibitors (macrolides) increase ZDrug sedation
  • CYP450 INDUCERS (phenytoin) diminish sedative effect
  • Use short term: 4 weeks, longer can cause dependence